Bell 47 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 744 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

744

All Events

391

Incidents

169

Minor

96

Serious

84

Fatal (106 fatalities)
Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 29, 1998 MONTICELLO, MS N1016A Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter while maneuvering resulting in the main rotor blades striking the ground.
Jul 17, 1998 OLATHE, CO N92HA Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning which resulted in an encounter with his own wake turbulence. Related factors were high density altitude and…

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning which resulted in an encounter with his own wake turbulence. Related factors were high density altitude and wake turbulence.
Jul 10, 1998 JONES, OK N12085 Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the trees during a low altitude flight/maneuver.
Jul 07, 1998 SALINAS, CA N7914S Minor destroyed The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the telephone lines.
Jun 14, 1998 SHAFTER, CA N110DT Incident substantial The aircraft's encounter with settling with power, which resulted from the pilot's decision to perform a steep downwind approach.
Jun 10, 1998 LE CENTER, MN N73284 Serious (1) destroyed the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the wire. A factor associated with the accident was the wire which the helicopter contacted.
May 28, 1998 BUNNELL, FL N182JR Incident substantial The pilot-in-command(CFI) failure to maintain control of the aircraft.
May 24, 1998 BIXBY, OK N9954F Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the power lines.
May 09, 1998 FORT WALTON BCH, FL N6714D Minor substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
May 03, 1998 STANWOOD, WA N7965J Incident substantial
The failure of the number two connecting rod, which led to additional internal engine damage and a complete loss of power. Factors include soft terra…

The failure of the number two connecting rod, which led to additional internal engine damage and a complete loss of power. Factors include soft terrain in the area where the pilot found it necessary to execute his forced landing.
Apr 20, 1998 SEDRO WOOLEY, WA N80SD Incident destroyed
Fuel contamination and subsequent carburetor fuel flow restriction initiated by the use of an improper material (incorrect fuel hose). A factor was th…

Fuel contamination and subsequent carburetor fuel flow restriction initiated by the use of an improper material (incorrect fuel hose). A factor was the trees.
Mar 11, 1998 JEANERETTE, LA N13012 Minor substantial The in-flight disconnect of the rotating scissors due to the separation of its hinge bolt.
Jan 15, 1998 MAGDALENA, NM N7901S Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain adequate main rotor rpm. A factor was a lack of recent experience in the type of operation being performed.
Jan 14, 1998 SPANISH FORK, UT N1461W Fatal (1) substantial A total loss of power due to repeated engine overspeeds. A related factor was unsuitable terrain.
Jan 03, 1998 BUNNELL, FL N59326 Incident substantial the student pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing.
Oct 19, 1997 WINSTON, MT N47AH Incident substantial
Fuel starvation due to fuel flow restriction from a failed carburetor automatic mixture control device. Factors include night light conditions for th…

Fuel starvation due to fuel flow restriction from a failed carburetor automatic mixture control device. Factors include night light conditions for the forced landing.
Oct 16, 1997 WELSH, LA N7104J Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain control of the helicopter, while maneuvering to avoid an obstruction. The abrupt maneuver was a related factor.
Oct 03, 1997 BURBANK, CA N2483B Incident substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 30, 1997 PIPESTONE, MN N9005T Serious (1) substantial the fracture of the pitch control rod assembly.
Sep 20, 1997 MCGEE, MS N90485 Incident substantial fuel starvation, while in maneuvering flight, due to the pilot's improper planning/decision.
Sep 19, 1997 SALUDA, SC N70747 Fatal (2) destroyed in-flight collision with a tree, for undetermined reason(s).
Aug 19, 1997 MONTROSE, CO N2243W Incident substantial
failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to properly supervise the flight and ensure that adequate rotor rpm was maintainted during the autorotation/lan…

failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to properly supervise the flight and ensure that adequate rotor rpm was maintainted during the autorotation/landing. The high density altitude was a related factor.
Aug 17, 1997 WELLPINIT, WA N9571 Minor substantial The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site, and his failure to maintain rotor blade clearance from terrain during landing.
Aug 12, 1997 MOJAVE, CA N9021R Incident substantial The student's improper use of the throttle and collective controls and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
Aug 11, 1997 HOLCOMB, MS N908B Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to adequately see and avoid all obstructions while doing aerial application work.
Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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